In a buyer’s real estate market, the competition is fierce for that elusive offer. Are you prepared to separate yourself from your competitors? Does your home turn perspective buyers away? Does it leave a bad impression or worse yet, no impression at all? I’ve listed a few tips to make your home a showplace that will not only make buyers stop and look, but maybe even give you that offer that you have been waiting for.
1. If it’s Broke, Fix It: This applies to outdated fixtures, leaky faucets, chipped countertops, and stained carpet. The two rooms of biggest return are the bathroom and the kitchen, pay close attention to them and have them looking their best.
2. First Impressions: Even though autumn is upon us, your yard has to have pizzazz since it is the first impression that buyers have of your home. So tidy up, cut the yard, and trim those shrubs and trees. Purchase a few planters of mums or fall pansies for a touch of color near the front door. Check the outside for peeling or warped siding, dirty windows, and damage to the roof.
3. Get Rid of Clutter: It’s hard to do, but to sell a home you have to make it appear as if the most organized person in the world lives there. Keep clothes, coats, school papers, and toys out of sight.
4. Neutralize: You’ve spent years giving your home your own personal touch and character, now it’s time to undo all of that hard work. Remove all of those family pictures, collections, and accents. People want to see your house, not your stuff. Tables and walls should be as clear as possible of all accents unless it highlights the architecture of your house such as over a mantle or a small table in an entryway. The last step is to paint your walls a nice neutral that will show of details while making the rooms seem larger and more spacious.
5. Get Rid of Furniture: There is a fine line between too much furniture and just the right amount. Try to arrange a sitting room around a focal point other than the television such as a fireplace. The more pieces you remove the larger the room will appear, but remove too much and it will look cold and uninviting.
6. Light it Up: Candles are a great replacement for all of those accents that you removed. The gentle flickering of a candle instantly brings to mind peace and tranquility, something people don’t even realize they want, but it will leave a strong impression long after they have gone on to the next house. Flameless candles are a wise investment here such as these low priced flameless candles.
While you’re at it, take out all of those 60 watt bulbs and replace them with 100 watt. This simple change makes your home appear brighter, cleaner, and larger that your competition.
7. Open Up: While you may prefer to keep your shades and blinds drawn for privacy, buyer want things to be light and airy, not dim and depressing. Open the blinds and shades and let the sun shine in, just make sure that you have cleaned the windows and dusted your furniture.
8. Un-Make Your Bed: Sounds crazy, right? Think about it, any catalog will show you a bed stuffed with pillows and partially unmade. Try to follow those examples and your bedroom will show more like a haven than just a room to go to sleep in.
9. Bring the Outside In: A few fresh floral arrangements will not only scent the air, but they are pleasing to the eye. One for each room is usually sufficient.
10. Set the Table: Break out your tablecloth, colorful napkins, plates, and silverware. Again, this gives the buyer the impression of welcome invitation. Just be sure that the plates are dust free and that the table linens are clean and free of wrinkles.
